Should I use straw or hay to keep my outside dog warm this winter?

Question

Which is better for my dog and why?

Answer 1

Straw. It is more insulating and stays drier longer. You need to change and replenish it evey week or two.

To the dvm...I have actually seen more dogs ingest shavings than straw.

For some others....some dogs LIKE it outside. I have Newfies. They have LOTS of coat. They come in a lot, but when they get hot, they ask to go out. At night, our heat is up and they are panting and want to go outside...except one who has chosen to stay in. The rest prefer to be out. When we had the doggie door, they were out by choice all night.
I do not think it is the right choice for all dogs, but a blanket statement that dogs should not be outside at night is wrong.

Answer 2

I have one dog that just cannot hold her bladder overnight, pick up the water bowl, walk her several times before bed, doesn't help. I got tired of cleaning up dog pee(of course on the carpet), tried moving her into the laundry room overnight-now that smells like piss. So, she's going back to being an outside dog. I tried...

We have a dog house, has a blanket inside, covered it with a ton of hay, and covered the outside of the dog house with a blanket. Also has those plastic flaps on the door to block the wind. I don't know which is better hay or straw, just went with the hay, she seems to like it fine.

EDIT: Guess straw is better lol, need to find some somewhere...

Answer 3

Straw..its warmer and also softer. My dad raised his hunting dogs outside year round when I was a kid. We would pack their dog houses tight and full to the top with straw, they could get in there and bury down into it to keep warm...(they can't do that with a couple blankets or wood shavings) We would fluff the straw up everyday for them, and add more as needed. We also would cover their door with something..usually a burlap feed bag..it was nailed down all but one corner so they could get in and out, and their doors were pointed away from the direction the wind always blew.
If it got really cold out, or there was a bad snow storm, dad would bring them in the house. But the only time I remember that happening, was the blizzard of '77.

Answer 4

Maybe Hay because it is very thick but it depends on what its for is it for like a cage or just the ground???? Either way Hay would be a good choice but hay at the bottom and a blanket on the top of the dog would keep it warmer and maybe a heater and some fur!!!!! Hope this tip helped with your decision BYE!!!!

Answer 5

Pigs like straw, but they burrow under it to keep warm. At the price of both hay or straw, I'd get a roll of insulation and staple inside the walls and under the floor, likely for about the same price, and a happier dog. (Mine sleeps in the house. He's a member of the family.)

Answer 6

Straw is better and a cheap blanket to go over the straw will work good for the dog to.

Answer 7

I say neither. Seen pups chew up and swallow hay and cause a blockage in their bowel. I like the cedar shavings idea. I'm also not a fan of "outside" dogs. Pets belong with the family...especially on a cold night. Pets should never be left outside in temperatures below 40.

Answer 8

Yes it works really well I also put a piece of canvas or something in that area over the door of the dog house or the straw house so the wind doesn't get in, your dog will be nice and toasty.

Answer 9

HAY - is the green stuff, its food for livestock.. its not bedding - it is more expensive and has almost no insulating factor

STRAW - is the yellow stuff used for bedding.. so its better

*** DONT USE CEDAR Shavings or chips - these are actually dangerous - causing repiratory problems.. although commonly sold for bedding for small animals it is well known that Cedar is BAD (Pine is ok.. but straw is still better)

Answer 10

Neither, use a dog house with cedar shavings or chips.The cedar cuts down on fleas, is warm and smells good. But make sure your dog has a house to get out of the wind and rain and bring her in if it is below 40 degrees.